Coping with Swallowing Difficulties

As we go through daily life, swallowing is as common as breathing. We rarely give it a second thought as we swallow hundreds of times each day.

Swallowing difficulties can occur for reasons ranging from dehydration to illness. Most cases are short-lived, but sometimes you might need medical treatment or special home care.

Why swallowing problems occur

Swallowing problems are also known as dysphagia. In most cases, they aren’t serious. Swallowing problems can be caused by dehydration. They can also be caused by not chewing long enough or taking bites of food that are too big. Other swallowing problems stem from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when bile or stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, or food pipe. Many medications, such as nitrates, calcium channel blockers, aspirin, iron tablets, and vitamin C, can cause difficulty swallowing. Other culprits include allergies and even the common cold.

In rare cases, swallowing problems are tied to a serious illness. For example, a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or late-stage Alzheimer’s disease can make it hard to swallow and possibly lead to choking. Diabetes, thyroid disease, a tumor in the mouth or throat, or high blood pressure could be to blame. Problems with your vocal chords; insertion of a tracheotomy, or breathing, tube, or oral or throat surgery can affect the way you swallow.

Symptoms of swallowing problems

Be aware of these signs of swallowing difficulties:

Feeling of a lump in your throat

Hoarseness

Sensation that food or liquid is stuck in your throat

Pain or tightness in your throat or chest

Weight loss or not getting the nutrition you need because of trouble swallowing

Choking or coughing caused by bits of food or drink that get caught in your throat

Drooling

When to call the doctor

Swallowing problems are rarely serious, so it can be difficult to know when to seek help. Contact your health care provider:

If the problem doesn’t clear up quickly

If swallowing problems cause you to choke, cough, or have trouble breathing

If you’re losing weight or having trouble eating

What you can do about swallowing problems

If your swallowing difficulties are not related to a more serious illness, you can take some simple steps at home to make eating and drinking more effort-free.

If your problems stem from GERD, try taking antacids to control your acid reflux symptoms. Prop up the head of your bed, eat smaller meals, and avoid food for about three hours before going to sleep. Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine are also linked to GERD, so eliminating them may help, too. Because obesity and stress are connected to GERD, exercise and stress-busting activities like yoga may cut down on your symptoms.

The way you eat and drink can cause swallowing problems. Take smaller bites, chew thoroughly, and eat more slowly to make swallowing easier.

A speech or occupational therapist can help you relearn how to swallow if your problem was caused by nervous system damage from a stroke. A specialist can also teach feeding techniques for eating difficulties caused by Alzheimer’s disease, such as using a smaller spoon and adding a special thickener to liquids, especially water, to make it easier to drink beverages without choking.

If your swallowing problems come from another type of serious illness, such as cancer, you may need a comprehensive treatment plan with medication or possibly surgery.